Curriculum

Beginning with a broad overview of worldviews, this course provides a history of the integration movement, the unique challenges and controversies of integration, and a review of various models of integration. It specifically examines the various integration issues associated with Psychology and Christianity.

Personality Theory

3

This course is an introduction to basic theories of counseling and an analysis of their credibility from a Christian perspective. Legal and ethical issues, including reporting requirements in abusive situations are included.

Counseling Skills

3

In this course students will focus on the appropriate use of techniques and strategies in counseling. Includes skills used to assess needs and make appropriate referrals. Emphasizes demonstration and application.

Foundations of Biblical and Psychological Integration II

3

This course explores the personal dimensions of spiritual and psychological formation. It emphasizes the relational aspects of Christian principles integrated with psychological constructs by examining the dynamics of God’s character, His plan for humanity throughout history, the nature of God’s grace and our response to it, the development and expression of the individual self, and the individual’s engagement with others.

Abnormal Psychology

3

A study of psychopathology and abnormal behavior with an emphasis placed on description and identification of individual disorders. A consideration of cultural differences in the expression of abnormal symptomatology is included.

Biopsychology

3

This course will study the physiological and neurological correlates of behavior. Students will study the structure and function of the nervous system, including the biological bases of psychopathology and normal function.

Research Methods and Statistical Concepts

3

Students will be provided with an overview and understanding of research methods and statistical terms used in both psychology and business disciplines with a special focus on compilation and interpretation of data. Research methods will include introduction to identifiction and procurement of relevant sources of information for conducting research relative to both an academic or practitioner application. Students will learn the proper documentation for applicable formatting of source data within their area of study.

Psychology of Addiction

3

This course is designed to explore the psychological, physiological, and societal effects of addiction. Students will be introduced to the classifications and symptoms of both Substance and Process addictions. Assessment techniques and treatment approaches will be covered.

Grief and Loss

3

This course examines the elements of therapeutic, growth-oriented grieving. The effective journey into and out of the loss experience is explored from a personal as well as a helping perspective. The content is designed to provide the student with a model informed by a Biblical as well as a psychological theory and research perspective.

Social Psychology

3

The study of the impact of the social context on the individual, this course examines the relationship of the individual to the family, the group, and the larger social milieu. Both theory and research will be examined as students analyze social behavior, including cognition, attitude formation and change, conformity, prejudice, and group processes.

Small Group Dynamics

3

An integrated and experiential study of effective small group dynamics from both a psychological as well as a theological perspective. Students will become familiar with the stages in the development of small groups, gaining insights and skills to become effective small group members and leaders.

Christian Ethics in Psychology

3

This course provides a biblical foundation for Christian ethics in counseling. It utilizes the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as a primary text for the formulation of Kingdom ethics. It makes specific applications to the personal and professional life of the therapist through the analysis of real-world dilemmas and challenges.

Cross Cultural Issues in Psychology

3

Students will explore cultural differences as they develop greater sensitivity to the cultural issues in counseling relationships.

Marriage and Family

3

An integrated study of marriage and family relationships from theological and psychological perspectives, preparing students to develop a personal philosophy of the family. Includes a personal evaluation of familial experiences and a look at cultural norms and biblical principles.

Human Sexuality

3

A course designed to explore the complex world of human sexuality and its relationship to personal growth and Christian perspectives. Views of healthy and unhealthy sexuality will be covered, as well as the implications for relationships.

Integration and Applied Learning

5

This series of 1 unit courses are concurrently sequenced with the core curriculum to focus on the integration and application of course concepts. Assignments are designed to complement and enhance the topics in each course through group and individual projects as well as exposure to community resources.